Glee: New New York: Episode 14 Season 5 – TV Review

The days of slushie facials and Sue Sylvester are officially over. Glee has left the tormenting halls of McKinley for the crowded streets of New York City; Rachel and Kurt have now been joined by Blaine, Artie, Sam and Mercedes. In last night’s episode “New New York,” the recent high school graduates (plus Mercedes) try to settle into life in the Big Apple, while Rachel enjoys to perks of being a Broadway star.

Episode Title: “New New York”

A few months after the end of the glee club, New Directions alumni are adjusting to their lives in New York City. Blaine and Sam have moved in with Kurt, while Artie experiences difficulties navigating the mean streets of Manhattan. Also, Rachel gets accustomed to being a Broadway star, and Mercedes starts working on her album.

The Good:

Rachel’s Epiphany: The producers of Funny Girl have given Rachel access to 24/7 car service. Lucky her. Now she doesn’t have to put up with the crowded streets or brutal subway system. But just when Rachel’s diva attitude starts getting out of line, Artie reminds her that walking the streets of NYC is what makes New Yorkers real New Yorkers. So while being driven around one day, Rachel has an epiphany where she (very cutely) realizes that she must experience New York by walking the streets, and not by riding in the back of a town car.

Personal Space: Kurt and Blaine are finally living together as fiances. And they do everything together: sleep, eat, attend school and even have similar classes, plus they share the same friends. It’s not long before Kurt begins feeling overwhelmed. “I feel like I’m losing my identity,” he tells Elliot. And while some of you may think Elliot wants to steal Kurt away from Blaine, you’re wrong. Elliot is actually a really good friend, and thanks to his solid advice, both Kurt and Blaine see that they just need a little space, and that’s okay. With Kurt’s blessing, Blaine decides to move out on his own so that he can find himself in the city. These two love each other so much and it’s obvious. They’re not just fighting for our entertainment.

Artie’s Dilemma: Artie is having a hard time adjusting to life in NYC because of his wheelchair. The city is crowded and everyone is always in a rush so it’s hard for him to keep up. At one point he even gets mugged in the subway. Eventually he faces his fears, and gives the city another shot.

The So-So:

New York: Though the new setting of Glee is exciting and right (it seemed like the next step for the show), it’s strange seeing everyone come together so easily. For one, why hasn’t Artie made any friends if he’s in film school? And when did Mercedes decide to move to New York? It seems like everyone is getting along great, but if these kids are in a new city, shouldn’t there be some new characters too?

“You Make Me Feel So Young,”Three Little Girls In Blue – Kurt and Blaine sing about how happy they are to be making a life together.

“Best Day Of My Life,” Zac Barnett – Blaine shows Sam the wonders of New York City.

“Rockstar,” Various – Kurt and Elliot rock out at the guitar store, again.

“Don’t Sleep In The Subway,” Petula Clark – Artie faces his fear of riding the subway, and Rachel breaks out and embraces NYC.

“People,” Funny Girl – Rachel sings about “loving people” and later has a potluck with her friends.

Overall:

Last night’s transition episode was solid. We got to see the McKinley kids settle into their new lives, and now we know Kurt and Blaine will experience things on their own. It is a bit strange (and boring) seeing everyone come together without any problems. Perhaps things will change once Santana arrives.